Utilizing information about mobile communication devices with respect to an area of interest

ABSTRACT

A method for establishing an approximate number of persons in an area of interest comprises providing a request to one or more communications providers that cover an area of interest. The request is for a listing of any mobile communication devices located within the area of interest. The listing of any mobile communication devices located within the area of interest is utilized to establish an approximate number of persons in the area of interest. In response to receipt of information that indicates a mobile communication device on the listing has departed the area of interest, the listing is updated to show the mobile communication device is clear of the area of interest.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS (CONTINUATION)

This application is a continuation application of and claims priority toand benefit of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/585,014,filed on Dec. 29, 2014, entitled “Utilizing Information About MobileCommunication Devices With Respect To An Area Of Interest,” by GregoryC. Best, having Attorney Docket No. TRMB-2626.CON1, and assigned 4to theassignee of the present application.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/585,014 is a continuationapplication of and claimed priority to and benefit of co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/020,142, filed on Feb. 3, 2011, entitled“PROVIDING INFORMATION ABOUT MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICES WITH RESPECTTO AN AREA OF INTEREST,” by Gregory C. Best, having Attorney Docket No.TRMB-2626, and assigned to the assignee of the present application.

FIELD

The invention relates to information about mobile communication deviceswith respect to an area of interest, particularly when an importantevent may have occurred or is about to occur in that area.

BACKGROUND

During an emergency event, there is need to identify people within thearea of the emergency. This problem is normally addressed by emergencyand rescue crews searching through rubble, questioning bystanders,survivors, and the like. As such, this process can be quite timeconsuming and it is not uncommon for a lot of time to be spent searchingan area in a grid pattern or other logically laid out search method.

However, one problem with a logical search pattern is that the firstareas being searched may or may not have any persons therein whileanother location lower on the search area order may have people trappedtherein. Further, the grid search may place emergency workers in perilwhile searching a location that has no persons therein.

In addition, in some cases, it may be hours or even days before theemergency workers have a clear idea of who and how many people theyshould be expecting to find. This lack of knowledge can be detrimentaland has been known to cause a secondary search event to occur after itis ascertained that a person or persons remain unaccounted for in theemergency area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments provided herein recite methods and systems for providinginformation about mobile communication devices with respect to an areaof interest are disclosed. Initially, information about an event havingan area of interest is received. A request is provided to one or morecommunications providers that cover the area of interest for a listingof any mobile communication devices located within the area of interest.The listing of any mobile communication devices located within the areaof interest is utilized to establish an approximate number of persons inthe area of interest.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an event data collection system with alocation and messaging controller in accordance with an example of thepresent technology.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a location and messaging controller inaccordance with an example of the present technology

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a location including an area of interest inaccordance with an example of the present technology.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for providing information about mobilecommunication devices with respect to an area of interest in accordancewith an example of the present technology.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a computer system in accordance with oneembodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example navigation satellite system(NSS) receiver which may be used in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present technology.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments disclosed herein provide location information for personalmobile devices and vehicles in an area of interest. In one embodiment,for purposes of providing direction or responding to an area ofinterest, each personal mobile device may be considered equivalent to atleast one individual. In other words, since a mobile device is usuallylocated close to, or carried by a user, the location of the mobiledevice is utilized herein to provide the location of at least oneperson.

Overview

By utilizing one or more of the embodiments provided herein, numerouslocation knowledge benefits are gained. These benefits include theability to quickly establish how many persons may be in an area ofinterest as well as specific or semi-specific locations of the personswithin the area of interest. In addition, a clear benefit is provided tothe device owner. For example, trapped people, such as people inside aburning building or within an active-shooter scenario, may be found morequickly, may receive a message or the like that includes directions,actions to take, situational updates, medical advice, etc.

Moreover, situational reports may be received from within the area ofinterest. In one embodiment, the information may be received from thepersons within or approximate to the area of interest. For example, aperson within an area of interest can provide real time informationabout the area of interest. The information may include statusinformation about the area of interest such as fire size, location,damage, structure issues, environmental conditions, etc. In addition,the provided information may include personal information such as, butnot limited to, injury information, number and location of other peoplewithin the area of interest, special needs information, any immediateneeds, any short term needs, perceived level of danger, requests formedical guidance, contact information for others persons that may beunaccounted for or out of contact, and the like.

Moreover, information may also be gathered from other sources withrespect to the area of interest. For example, satellite imagery, localweb cameras, road cameras, security cameras, utility company informationand status, social networking information such as images, videos, textmessages and the like which may be uploaded to the Internet by a devicewithin the area of interest or about the area of interest, and the like.Radio and television broadcasts also may yield valuable information.Further, in one embodiment information about response capabilities mayalso be gathered.

Although terms such as personnel and persons are used herein. It shouldbe understood that in a scenario there may be numerous types ofpersonnel and persons that may benefit from both sides of the presenttechnology. These personnel types may include response types, bystandertypes, active participant types and the like. For example, responsepersonnel may include any person or persons that respond to an event andutilize the location information to generate rescue plans, action plans,evacuation plans, clean-up plans, and the like. Bystander personnel mayinclude any person or persons that are in, or heading toward, the wrongplace at the wrong time. For example, bystander personnel may becivilians, victims, potential victims, and the like. In one embodiment,the term active participant types refer to a person or persons that maybe the cause of the event, causing the event or enhancing the event. Forexample, an active participant may be an arsonist, shooter, protestor,rioter, or the like.

With reference now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an event datacollection system with a location and messaging controller in accordancewith an example of the present technology. In one example, event datacollection system 100 includes an event database 150 and a location andmessaging center 101.

For purposes of clarity in the following discussion, event database 150is populated and updated with information that pertains to an event. Ingeneral, an event may be occurring, such as a fire, earthquake, flood,etc. However, in other cases, the event may have already occurred, suchas a structure collapse, fire, flood, car crash, sink hole, toxinrelease, etc. In yet other cases, the event may be a forecasted event.That is, the event may have not yet have occurred or not yet occurred atthe area of interest. Examples of a forecasted event include, but arenot limited to, wildfire, a weather event such as landfall of ahurricane, tornado, tsunami, imminent structural collapse, and the like.Electronic signals sent from an earthquake monitoring station willout-pace the shockwave which can also provide advance notice of thecoming danger.

In one embodiment, event database 150 includes data from a plurality ofsources such as, but not limited to, direct report 110, satelliteinformation 111, Internet information 112, wireless device 113, andemergency report 114. In the following discussion, the data in eventdatabase 150 includes prior collected data as well as data. In otherwords, the event information received at event database 150 may includeinitial information and any additional situational reports that may bereceived about or from within the area of interest.

In one embodiment, updated direct report 110 information may be receivedfrom the persons within or approximate to the area of interest. Forexample, a person within an area of interest can provide real timeinformation about the area of interest. The information may includestatus information about the area of interest such as fire size,location, damage, structure issues, environmental conditions, etc.

Satellite information 111 may include satellite imagery, NSS positionalinformation, global NSS (GNSS) positional information, satellitetelephony information, satellite data information and the like.

Internet information 112 may include information collected from localweb cameras, road cameras, security cameras, utility company informationand status, social networking information such as images, videos, textmessages and the like which may be uploaded to the Internet by a devicewithin the area of interest or about the area of interest. In oneembodiment, internet information 112 may include information collectedvia methods such as social-media data mining and the like. For example,one embodiment may monitor news reports or other audio or video mediafor the mention of key words. For example, media may be monitored forstories about the event.

In another embodiment, internet information 112 may utilizephoto-recognition technology, text recognition, and the like to monitorInternet traffic. For example, a social website posting a photo ormessage reporting, and possibly geo-locating, a car accident, a tornadotouch down, or the like. Upon recognition of such an event, internetinformation 112 would provide the information to event database 150.

Wireless device 113 information may include information collected from aphone call, a text message or a photo that was sent from a mobile deviceabout the event. In one embodiment, the wireless device 113 informationmay be intercepted, recorded or copied for evaluation with respect topossible relevant information. For example, if a user was at the eventand sent a photo of any damage, the photo may be utilized asinformation. Similarly, if the user made a phone call during theincident, the phone call may be reviewed for relevant information suchas other personnel within the area, injuries, extent of damages, etc.

Emergency report 114 may be provided to event database 150 from medicalfacilities such as clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, and the like;municipal dispatch information such as fire departments, policedepartments and the like; and municipal vehicle cameras, such asdashboard cameras, bus cameras and the like.

As described in more detail herein, in one embodiment, when an event isrecognized, location and messaging controller 101 can communicate withone or more mobile communication tower(s) 105, communications satellites155 and the like. In addition, mobile communication tower 105 andsimilarly communications satellite 155 may provide and receive signals250. In one example, a mobile communication tower 105 is a cellphonetower that is capable of sending information to, and receivinginformation from, a mobile device.

With reference now to FIG. 2, a block diagram 200 of a location andmessaging center 101 is shown in accordance with an example of thepresent technology. In one embodiment, the location and messaging centeris similar to computing device 500 described in more detail below. Someactions described in the following example may be performed by aspecific hardware component or collection of components. In anotherembodiment, certain processes are discussed that may be realized, in oneembodiment, as a series of instructions that reside on a computerreadable medium that may be executed by processor 502 of system 500.When executed, the instructions cause the computer system 500 to performspecific functions and exhibit specific behavior such as describedherein.

In one embodiment, location and messaging center 101 includes an area ofinterest establisher 210, a communications module 220, a mobilecommunications device location provider 230 and a message generator 240.In addition, FIG. 2 includes an event database 150 and a mobile deviceinformation database 203. FIG. 2 also shows a communications tower 105and a message 250.

Although FIG. 2 illustrates both an event database 150 and a mobiledevice information database 203. The illustration of two databases isprovided for purposes of clarity. The technology is well suited to usingonly a single database or any number of databases. Further, theorganization of the databases herein is representative of one example,provided for clarity. The actual organization of the database(s) may becontext dependent, based on storage capacity, user preference, or thelike.

In general, area of interest establisher 210 is utilized to generate anarea of interest around an event. In general the area of interest isrelative to an event such as an emergency, accident or the like. Forexample, in a contained event, such as a structure fire, the area ofinterest may be within a radius of the structure itself. However, inanother embodiment, the area of interest may include a one blockperimeter around the structure. In another example, the area of interestmay be a roadway, traffic accident or the like.

Communications module 220 is utilized to communicate with anycommunications tower 105 that has a range that extends to the area ofinterest established by area of interest establisher 210. In oneembodiment, communications module 220 may provide an information requestto communications tower 105 for any mobile devices that are within acertain range of the event, area of interest, or the like. In oneembodiment, any information from communications tower 105 would becollected at mobile device information database 203. In one example,communications tower 105 may provide the information directly to mobiledevice information database 203 via pathway 225. In another embodiment,communications module 220 may communicate with a communicationssatellite 155, or the like. In addition, communications module 220 mayhave a period of time after which the request is repeated. For example,a first information request may be made and then every 5 minutes anotherrequest may be made. Thus, the information at mobile device informationdatabase 203 is also continually updated throughout the event.

Location and messaging center 101 also includes mobile communicationdevice location provider 230. In one embodiment, mobile communicationdevice location provider 230 accesses mobile device information database203 and provides a device location report and may also provide a visualrepresentation of any mobile devices to a graphic user interface (GUI)or the like. For example, on a GUI having an overlay of a map of theregion such as shown in FIG. 3.

In one embodiment, the information displayed on the GUI may bepreference based and dynamically adjustable. For example, a rescueagency may want to see an uncluttered screen showing only mobile devicesinformation within the area of interest or at the specific eventlocation. In contrast, a subscription event avoidance service may wantto see information for mobile devices that are approaching the areaincluding, but not limited to, speed, direction of travel, possibleroutes for deviation, and other avoidance type data.

Message generator 240 is utilized to provide a message 250 that can bedelivered to the mobile communications device. For example, one or moreof the mobile devices shown by mobile communication device locationprovider 230 may be selected to receive a message described in moredetail herein. Message generator 240 is utilized to generate message250, e.g., type, content, information, etc. and then provide the message250 to communications module 220 for delivery via the communicationstower 105, communications satellite 155, or the like.

With reference now to FIG. 3, a diagram 300 of a location including anarea of interest in accordance with an example of the presenttechnology. In one embodiment, diagram 300 may be printed onto a pieceof paper, displayed on a GUI, or the like.

Although a number of roads, buildings, mobile devices and communicationstowers 105 are shown in diagram 300, they are exemplary. In other words,the present diagram 300 is merely one of a plurality of possiblediagrams that may be generated. The use of diagram 300 herein isprovided for clarity.

Diagram 300 includes 3 communication towers 105, mobile devices 301-313,a larger area of interest 335 and a smaller area of interest 355. Ingeneral, the term mobile communication device refers to a wirelesscommunications device such as, but not limited to, a mobile phone, aPDA, a smart phone, a GPS, a camera, a car based location service, a GISenabled vehicle and the like.

As stated herein, many people have a mobile communications device andthey often carry or are located nearby the device. As such, in oneembodiment of the present discussion, a mobile communications device maybe considered as a marker for a person until it is proven otherwise.

With reference now to FIG. 4, a flowchart of a method for providinginformation about mobile communication devices with respect to an areaof interest is shown in accordance with an example of the presenttechnology.

With reference now to 405 of FIG. 4 and to FIG. 3, one embodimentreceives information about an event having an area of interest. Forexample, in one embodiment, once an event is recognized and the area ofinterest is known, the collection of information begins.

With reference now to 410 of FIG. 4 and to FIG. 3, one embodimentprovides a request to one or more communications providers that coverthe area of interest for a listing of any mobile communications deviceslocated within the area of interest. For example, the collection ofinformation would include a request to one or more mobile towers thatcover the area of interest for a listing of any or all mobilecommunication devices that are located within the area of interest. Theinformation may be as minimal as the number of mobile communicationdevices within the area of interest or may be as specific as thelocation of each mobile communication devices within the area ofinterest and its owner.

In one embodiment, the information about the mobile devices is collectedat mobile device information database 203 and location and messagingcenter 101 is utilized to access the mobile device information database203 in conjunction with the event database 150 and filter the data forthe desired information. For example, the initial area of interest 335request to the tower may have covered a 4 block radius. The location andmessaging center 101 may then work with the entire larger area ofinterest 335 or may filter the results to a smaller area of interest355. For example, the initial request from the location and messagingcenter 101 may include a larger area of interest 335 that is larger thannecessary to ensure that an appropriate safety margin has been met basedon initial event information. However, once the event is betterunderstood, the size of the area of interest may be significantlyreduced such as shown by smaller area of interest 355.

However, in another embodiment, the initial area of interest may be toosmall and an update may include expanding the area of interest. Forexample, the initial area of interest may have been defined by smallerarea of interest 355 and then, as the scope of the event is enlarged,the area of interest may be changed to a larger area of interest 335.

One method for delineating each area of interest is with the utilizationof a geofence. In general, a geofence is a border or “fence” that isdrawn on an electronic map presented on a graphical user interface(GUI). A geofence can be drawn around a certain event or an entire areaof interest. Once it has been drawn on an electronic map, the geofencecan be displayed on any number of devices such as, but not limited to,the control center GUI, mobile devices, a portable GNSS device, avehicle mounted GNSS device, and the like.

By adjusting the size of the geofence with respect to the actual area ofinterest, and providing a specific asset travel distance past thegeofence at which the alert is sent, the geofence becomes a firmboundary for an area of interest.

As stated herein, in one embodiment, the area of interest may be only aspecific structure, for example, to attempt to gain a head count withrespect to the number of mobile devices within a building that is onfire. However, in another embodiment, the area of interest may be theentire block to help the command element maintain situational awareness,account for mobile devices that may be unknowingly entering the damagedstructure or mobile devices that are within a danger area with respectto things that may fall from, spread from or otherwise cause furthercasualties.

In another embodiment, the location and messaging center 101 may requestadditional information to be collected at event database 150. Forexample, as described herein, the additional information for the area ofinterest may include Internet information, car based location servicesinformation, emergency response information, satellite imagery, webcameras, road cameras, security cameras, utility company information andstatus, social networking information about the area of interest such asimages, videos, text messages and the like which may be uploaded to theInternet, information sent from or to any mobile communications devicedetermined to be within the area of interest or about the area ofinterest, and the like. Further, in one embodiment information aboutresponse capabilities, such as available fire, police and ambulanceresponders, and the like may also be gathered.

With reference now to 415 of FIG. 4 and to FIG. 3, one embodimentutilizes the listing of any mobile communication devices located withinthe area of interest to establish an approximate number of persons inthe area of interest. Further, the real time information may includedetour information, no entry information, and egress information forpersons that may be approaching the area of interest.

For example, with respect to FIG. 3, a first area of interest 335 hasbeen generated based on an event. The communications tower 105 providesthe location of mobile communication devices 301-313. From FIG. 3, it isapparent that only mobile communication devices 302-306 are within thefirst area of interest 335. However, as the location information isupdated to account for speed or direction of any mobile communicationdevices, it is also noted that mobile communication devices 312-314 areapproaching the first area of interest 335 while mobile communicationdevices 301 and 307-309 are in stationary locations outside of firstarea of interest 335.

When the area of interest is reduced to second area of interest 355 onlymobile communication devices 302 and 303 remain within second area ofinterest 355. Based on the location information, a response to an eventwithin second area of interest 355 would provide a rescue worker withthe probable location of at least two persons. In one embodiment, thelocation information may be two dimensional. However, in anotherembodiment, the location information may be three dimensional, such asfrom a mobile device with GNSS capabilities.

In one embodiment, by utilizing the provided listing of mobilecommunication devices within an area of interest, response requirementscan be generated. For example, based on the probable number and locationof personnel within the area of interest, immediate response needs suchas people in need of rescue, number of rescuers needed, type of rescuersneeded, number of response vehicles needed, type of response vehiclesneeded can be established. Further, the architecture for the responsemay utilize the provided and updated information to assist in generationof alternate routes, contingency plans, road closures, first aid needs,and the like. In addition the architecture for the response may includedeveloping contingency plans based on the environment surrounding thearea of interest, and the like.

In addition, in one embodiment, a message may be provided from thelocation and messaging center 101 to each mobile communications devicewithin the area of interest. In one embodiment, the message may be ablanket message. In other words a message that is sent to every mobilecommunications device within the area of interest. The message may be atext message, voice message, multimedia message, or the like.

In one embodiment, the message may be a non-responsive message such as amessage that provides instructions, directions, or actions for themobile communications device user. For example, the message may provideinformation about what the user should expect, such as the timeframe forrescue. In another example, the message may provide general guidanceinformation to the user with respect to how to safely depart the area ofinterest, what safety precautions should be taken, a gathering location,instructions, directions, event specific advice, action plans, and thelike for the persons within the area of interest. Although one messageis stated herein, there may be more than one blanket message sent. Suchas updated information and the like. Further, at later times, blanketmessages may not be sent to all devices, instead some devices mayreceive one message while devices in other locations may receivedifferent messages. This distinction may be based on location, updatedinformation, or the like.

Further, a secondary message may be provide to each mobilecommunications device that may be approaching the area of interest orthat are within the area of interest but outside of the event perimeter.In general, the secondary message may include detour information, noentry information, and egress information for persons.

In one embodiment, the first message, or any additional messages, mayinclude a response request. For example the request could be forinformation confirming the identity of the user of the mobilecommunications device, the specific location of the user, any otherpersons that are with the user, and the like.

In addition, in one embodiment remote activation of the mobile device'sGPS or other location specific information may be performed by anautomated command. In addition, in one embodiment, contact informationmay be accessed from the mobile device or from the account of the mobiledevice. For example, alternate contact numbers and home/work addressinformation may be obtained.

Further, as stated herein, in one embodiment, any information providedby mobile communication devices within the area of interest during thetime of interest may be gathered. Provided information may include, butis not limited to, a phone call, text message or photo that was sentfrom the mobile device during the time of interest. In one embodiment,the provided information may be intercepted, recorded or copied forevaluation with respect to possible relevant information. For example,if a user was at the area of interest and sent a photo of any damage,the photo may be utilized as information. Similarly, if the user made aphone call during the incident, the phone call may be reviewed forrelevant information such as other personnel within the area, injuries,extent of damages, etc.

Furthermore, provided information may include personal information suchas, but not limited to, injury information, number and location of otherpeople within the area of interest, special needs information, anyimmediate needs, any short term needs, perceived level of danger,requests for medical guidance, contact information for others personsthat may be unaccounted for or out of contact, and the like.

By utilizing the foundation of knowledge, such as known personnellocation and situational report information, architecture for anenhanced and appropriately prepared response can be built. Similarly,when the mobile device has departed the area of interest, notations,alerts, direct contact or the like may be utilized to confirm the userof the mobile device is clear of the area thereby removing the person(s)from any further immediate response needs.

In another embodiment, the technology described herein may be utilizedin a subscription type service. For example, instead of providinglocation information to a rescuer, location and messaging center 101 maymonitor an area of interest and provide information to any subscribersthat will inform the subscriber about the event. Moreover, thetechnology may also provide direction to help the subscriber avoid thearea of interest, depart the area of interest, or the like.

In one embodiment, the subscription service may remove personallyidentifiable information about a user when requesting information usefulto the requester. For example, if an area of interest was in the Centerfor Treating Unhealthy Fascination with Rubber Duckies, locationinformation such as 17 people are on the 8th floor of the CTUFRD may beprovided, but identifying information such as caller ID information, thephone number and any other account information that could be used toidentify the user specifically may be redacted.

In general, the subscription type service may include a number ofdifferent features and aspects. In one embodiment, the subscription maybe an opt-in service. For example, a user would actively sign up for theservice, with a default assumption that their phone would not beparticipating. In another embodiment, the subscription type service maybe an opt-out service. For example, a user is presumed to beparticipating unless they have specifically refuse participation. Inanother embodiment, the subscription type service may include bothopt-in and opt-out characteristics based on service plans, user statusor the like. For example, a government employee on the clock may be partof the opt-out service plan, while a civilian may be opt-in.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, mobile communication devices 312-314are approaching the first area of interest 335. In the followingexample, mobile communication device 313 is a subscriber to the serviceand mobile communication devices 312 and 314 are not. As such, mobilecommunication device 313 would receive a message alerting the user ofthe first area of interest 335. The message may include informationabout the event, about the first area of interest 335, detourinformation, reroute information, and the like. Thus, the user of mobilecommunication device 313 would be able to take action to avoid beingcaught up in the event or even traffic within the first area of interest335. In so doing, time may be saved and possible hazard may be avoided.Similarly, since mobile communication devices 312 and 314 are notsubscribers, and since they are outside of the first area of interest335, they would not find out about the event until they entered firstarea of interest 335 and were then possibly exposed to the hazard,delayed by traffic, or the like.

Although FIG. 3 illustrates a city or town type scenario, the presenttechnology is well suited to any type of event and notification. Forexample, the event may be an accident, a road closure, a road repair, aspeed trap or other event on a roadway.

In one example, the range for warning a subscriber may be enlarged suchthat a subscriber may receive the event message in time to take adifferent route or otherwise avoid the crash and any associated trafficdelays. In other words, a buffer zone around the area of interest forthe event to provide enough time for the broadcast message to bereceived prior to the subscriber's mobile communications device enteringthe area of interest to be avoided.

As stated herein, in one embodiment the message is a situational reportabout the event and/or area of interest. For example, the situationalreport may include event information such as, but not limited to,location, damage, structure issues, road conditions, and environmentalconditions. In addition, as described herein, the subscriber servicelocation and messaging center 101 may access one or more sources ofinformation about the event such as the information described in detailin FIG. 1.

Further, in one embodiment, the subscription service may provide updatesabout the area of interest and/or the event based on any update to thesituational report. For example if the area of interest changed from afirst area of interest 335 to a second area of interest 355, an updatedmessage may be broadcast to the subscriber's mobile communicationsdevice.

Example Computing System

With reference now to FIG. 5, portions of the technology may be composedof computer-readable and computer-executable instructions that reside,for example, on computer-usable media of a computer system. FIG. 5illustrates an example of a computer system 500 that can be used inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. However, it isappreciated that systems and methods described herein can operate on orwithin a number of different computer systems including general purposenetworked computer systems, embedded computer systems, routers,switches, server devices, client devices, various intermediatedevices/nodes, standalone computer systems, and the like. For example,as shown in FIG. 5, computer system 500 is well adapted to havingperipheral computer readable media 502 such as, for example, a floppydisk, a compact disc, flash drive, back-up drive, tape drive, and thelike coupled thereto.

System 500 of FIG. 5 includes an address/data bus 504 for communicatinginformation, and a processor 506A coupled to bus 504 for processinginformation and instructions. As depicted in FIG. 5, system 500 is alsowell suited to a multi-processor environment in which a plurality ofprocessors 506A, 506B, and 506C are present. Conversely, system 500 isalso well suited to having a single processor such as, for example,processor 506A. Processors 506A, 506B, and 506C may be any of varioustypes of microprocessors. System 500 also includes data storage featuressuch as a computer usable volatile memory 508, e.g. random access memory(RAM) (e.g., static RAM, dynamic, RAM, etc.) coupled to bus 504 forstoring information and instructions for processors 506A, 506B, and506C. System 500 also includes computer usable non-volatile memory 510,e.g. read only memory (ROM) (e.g., read only memory, programmable ROM,flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, etc.), coupled to bus 504 for storingstatic information and instructions for processors 506A, 506B, and 506C.Also present in system 500 is a data storage unit 512 (e.g., a magneticor optical disk and disk drive, solid state drive (SSD), etc.) coupledto bus 504 for storing information and instructions.

System 500 also includes an alphanumeric input device 514 includingalphanumeric and function keys coupled to bus 504 for communicatinginformation and command selections to processor 506A or processors 506A,506B, and 506C. System 500 also includes a cursor control device 516coupled to bus 504 for communicating user input information and commandselections to processor 506A or processors 506B, and 506C. System 500 ofthe present embodiment also includes a display device 518 coupled to bus504 for displaying information. In another example, alphanumeric inputdevice 514 and/or cursor control device 516 may be integrated withdisplay device 518, such as for example, in the form of a capacitivescreen or touch screen display device 518.

Referring still to FIG. 5, optional display device 518 of FIG. 5 may bea liquid crystal device, cathode ray tube, plasma display device orother display device suitable for creating graphic images andalphanumeric characters recognizable to a user. Cursor control device516 allows the computer user to dynamically signal the movement of avisible symbol (cursor) on a display screen of display device 518. Manyimplementations of cursor control device 516 are known in the artincluding a trackball, mouse, touch pad, joystick, capacitive screen ondisplay device 518, special keys on alpha-numeric input device 514capable of signaling movement of a given direction or manner ofdisplacement, and the like. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that acursor can be directed and/or activated via input from alpha-numericinput device 514 using special keys and key sequence commands. System500 is also well suited to having a cursor directed by other means suchas, for example, voice commands, touch recognition, visual recognitionand the like. System 500 also includes an I/O device 520 for couplingsystem 500 with external entities. For example, in one embodiment, I/Odevice 520 enables wired or wireless communications between system 500and an external network such as, but not limited to, the Internet.

Referring still to FIG. 5, various other components are depicted forsystem 500. Specifically, when present, an operating system 522,applications 524, modules 526, and data 528 are shown as typicallyresiding in one or some combination of computer usable volatile memory508, e.g. random access memory (RAM), and data storage unit 512.

Example NSS Receiver

With reference now to FIG. 6, a block diagram is shown of an embodimentof an example NSS receiver which may be used in accordance with variousembodiments described herein. In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates a blockdiagram of a GNSS receiver in the form of a general purpose GPS receiver680 capable of demodulation of the L1 and/or L2 signal(s) received fromone or more GPS satellites. For the purposes of the followingdiscussion, the demodulation of L1 and/or L2 signals is discussed. It isnoted that demodulation of the L2 signal(s) is typically performed by“high precision” GNSS receivers such as those used in the military andsome civilian applications. Typically, the “consumer” grade GNSSreceivers do not access the L2 signal(s). Further, although L1 and L2signals are described, they should not be construed as a limitation tothe signal type; instead, the use of the L1 and L2 signal(s) is providedmerely for clarity in the present discussion. Although an embodiment ofa global NSS receiver and operation is described herein, the technologyis well suited for use with numerous other NSS signals including L5signal(s), Glonass signal(s), Galileo signal(s), Compass signal(s),various SBAS systems signal(s), and the like.

Embodiments of the present technology may be utilized by GNSS receiverswhich access the L1 signals alone, or in combination with the L2signal(s). A more detailed discussion of the function of a receiver suchas GPS receiver 680 can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,621,426. U.S. Pat.No. 5,621,426, by Gary R. Lennen, entitled “Optimized processing ofsignals for enhanced cross-correlation in a satellite positioning systemreceiver,” incorporated by reference which includes a GPS receiver verysimilar to GPS receiver 680 of FIG. 6.

In FIG. 6, received L1 and L2 signal is generated by at least one GPSsatellite. Each GPS satellite generates different signal L1 and L2signals and they are processed by different digital channel processors652 which operate in the same way as one another. FIG. 6 shows GPSsignals (L1=1575.42 MHz, L2=1227.60 MHz) entering GPS receiver 680through a dual frequency antenna 601. Antenna 601 may be a magneticallymountable model commercially available from Trimble® Navigation ofSunnyvale, Calif., 94085. Master oscillator 648 provides the referenceoscillator which drives all other clocks in the system. Frequencysynthesizer 638 takes the output of master oscillator 648 and generatesimportant clock and local oscillator frequencies used throughout thesystem. For example, in one embodiment frequency synthesizer 638generates several timing signals such as a 1st LO1 (local oscillator)signal 1400 MHz, a 2nd LO2 signal 175 MHz, a (sampling clock) SCLKsignal 25 MHz, and a MSEC (millisecond) signal used by the system as ameasurement of local reference time.

A filter/LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) 634 performs filtering and low noiseamplification of both L1 and L2 signals. The noise figure of GPSreceiver 680 is dictated by the performance of the filter/LNAcombination. The downconverter 636 mixes both L1 and L2 signals infrequency down to approximately 175 MHz and outputs the analogue L1 andL2 signals into an IF (intermediate frequency) processor 30. IFprocessor 650 takes the analog L1 and L2 signals at approximately 175MHz and converts them into digitally sampled L1 and L2 inphase (L1 I andL2 I) and quadrature signals (L1 Q and L2 Q) at carrier frequencies 420KHz for L1 and at 2.6 MHz for L2 signals respectively.

At least one digital channel processor 652 inputs the digitally sampledL1 and L2 inphase and quadrature signals. All digital channel processors652 are typically identical by design and typically operate on identicalinput samples. Each digital channel processor 652 is designed todigitally track the L1 and L2 signals produced by one satellite bytracking code and carrier signals and to form code and carrier phasemeasurements in conjunction with the microprocessor system 654. Onedigital channel processor 652 is capable of tracking one satellite inboth L1 and L2 channels.

Microprocessor system 654 is a general purpose computing device whichfacilitates tracking and measurements processes, providing pseudorangeand carrier phase measurements for a navigation processor 658. In oneembodiment, microprocessor system 654 provides signals to control theoperation of one or more digital channel processors 652. Navigationprocessor 658 performs the higher level function of combiningmeasurements in such a way as to produce position, velocity and timeinformation for the differential and surveying functions. Storage 660 iscoupled with navigation processor 658 and microprocessor system 654. Itis appreciated that storage 660 may comprise a volatile or non-volatilestorage such as a RAM or ROM, or some other computer readable memorydevice or media.

One example of a GPS chipset upon which embodiments of the presenttechnology may be implemented is the Maxwell™ chipset which iscommercially available from Trimble® Navigation of Sunnyvale, Calif.,94085.

Embodiments of the present invention are thus described. While thepresent invention has been described in numerous embodiments, theforegoing descriptions of embodiments of the present invention have beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. They are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in lightof the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described inorder best to explain the principles of the invention and its practicalapplication.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for establishing an approximate numberof persons in an area of interest, the method comprising: providing arequest to one or more communications providers that cover an area ofinterest for a listing of any mobile communication devices locatedwithin the area of interest; and utilizing the listing of any mobilecommunication devices located within the area of interest to establishan approximate number of persons in the area of interest; and responsiveto receipt of information that indicates a mobile communication deviceon the listing has departed the area of interest, updating the listingto show the mobile communication device is clear of the area ofinterest.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the request to one or morecommunications providers further comprises: requesting a location ofeach mobile communication device within the area of interest.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: providing a non-responsivebroadcast message to each mobile communication device within the area ofinterest, the broadcast message including information selected from thegroup consisting of: an instruction, an egress route, an action plan, asafety precaution, a gathering location, and event specific advice foran event within the area of interest.
 4. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: providing a request for user information to each mobilecommunication device within the area of interest, the request consistingof: a user identity confirmation, a specific location, and a list of anyother persons with a user.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:providing a command to each mobile communication device within the areaof interest to initiate location capabilities.
 6. The method of claim 1,further comprising: providing a command to each mobile communicationdevice within the area of interest to activate WiFi to enable additionalcommunications activities.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:including a safety margin border in an initial area of interest for anevent in the area of interest.
 8. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising: updating the area of interest for an event in the area ofinterest; and generating a new request to the one or more communicationsproviders for a listing of any mobile communication devices locatedwithin the updated area of interest.
 9. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving at least one situational report from within thearea of interest for an event in the area of interest, the situationalreport consisting of event information selected from the groupconsisting of: location, damage, structure issues, road conditions, andenvironmental conditions.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:receiving at least one status report from within the area of interest,the status report consisting of personal information selected from thegroup consisting of: an injury information, a number of other peoplewithin the area of interest, a location of other people within the areaof interest, a special need, an immediate need and a contact informationfor one or more other unaccounted for persons.
 11. The method of claim1, further comprising: accessing one or more other sources ofinformation with respect to the area of interest, the sources ofinformation selected from the group consisting of: Internet, a car basedlocation service, AM/FM radio, television, satellite imagery, a webcamera, a road camera, a security camera, a utility company, municipalservices dispatch information and municipal vehicle cameras.
 12. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: accessing any information sentfrom or to any mobile communication device within the area of interest;and evaluating the information for event information for an event in thearea of interest.
 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising:generating a request to one or more communications providers that coverthe area of interest for a listing of any mobile communication devicesapproaching the area of interest; and providing a warning message toeach mobile communication device approaching the area of interest, thewarning message selected from the group consisting of: a detour, anapproach-no-closer-than location, and egress information.
 14. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: instructing the one or morecommunications providers to prioritize communication to the mobilecommunication devices located with the area of interest.
 15. A methodfor providing information to mobile communication devices with respectto an area of interest, the method comprising: providing a request toone or more communications providers that cover an area of interest fora listing of any mobile communication devices located within the area ofinterest and a second listing of any mobile communication devicesapproaching the area of interest; providing a broadcast to each mobilecommunication device on the listing; and providing a warning message toeach mobile communication device approaching the area of interest. 16.The method of claim 15, wherein the broadcast is selected from the groupconsisting of: a non-responsive broadcast message which includesinformation for users of mobile communication devices on the listing; abroadcast request for user information from the users of mobilecommunication devices on the listing; and a broadcast command to mobilecommunication devices on the listing to initiate location capabilities.17. The method of claim 15, wherein said providing a warning message toeach mobile communication device approaching the area of interestcomprises: providing the warning message to each mobile communicationdevice approaching the area of interest, wherein the warning message isselected from the group consisting of: a detour, anapproach-no-closer-than location, and egress information.
 18. An eventlocation configuration and messaging system comprising: a communicationsystem and process to request a listing of mobile communication deviceslocated within an area of interest from one or more communicationsproviders that cover the area of interest, the listing incorporated in adatabase; a mobile communication device location provider with access tothe listing in the database and configured to obtain and providelocations of mobile communication devices on the listing, wherein when amobile communication device on the listing departs the area of interestsaid system updates said listing to show the mobile communication deviceis clear of the area of interest; and a message generator to generate amessage based on an event within the area of interest, the messageprovided via a communication module to the one or more communicationsproviders for delivery to mobile communication devices on the listingand within the area of interest.
 19. The event location configurationand messaging system of claim 18, wherein the message generatorgenerates a first message for any mobile communication device of thelisting that is in a first location and a second message for any mobilecommunication device of the listing that is in a second location, thesecond message different from the first message.
 20. The event locationconfiguration and messaging system of claim 18, wherein the mobilecommunication device is selected from the group consisting of: a mobilephone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a smart phone, a NavigationSatellite System (NSS) receiver, and a car based location service.